Boycie set for Doncaster's St Leger Festival

Only Fools and Horses wheeler dealer Boycie is set to cut a few deals at this year's St Leger Festival.
Only Fools and Horses star John Challis - aka Boycie.Only Fools and Horses star John Challis - aka Boycie.
Only Fools and Horses star John Challis - aka Boycie.

Actor John Challis, who played the flash second-hand car dealer in the much-loved British sitcom, will be guest of honour at Gentleman’s Day at this year’s event at Doncaster Racecourse.

The day, which features the Doncaster Cup, which is celebrating its 250th year anniversary, will see Boycie getting one up on Del Boy as he aims to cut a few deals with racegoers - and maybe pocket a bit of cash!

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The British TV icon - known for his suave, debonair appearance and big spending - will be at Town Moor on Friday, September 9.

Abby Chandler, marketing manager at Doncaster Racecourse, said: “Our Gentlemen’s Day was a huge success last year and we are looking forward to welcoming visitors in their droves once again for a superb race card.

“We are delighted Boycie will be here to celebrate this extra special day with us and look forward to his charismatic charm captivating visitors.”

The Doncaster Cup was first run in 1766 on Cantley Common.

Originally known as the Doncaster Gold Cup, it is run over two miles and two furlongs and is one of Britain’s leading events for horses who specialise in long distances.

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Records show that the first horse to win back in 1766 was called Charlotte in a race where only five horses ran.

The race, which pre-dates the St Leger Stakes, sees the best staying thoroughbreds in Britain and Ireland vying for the coveted winners title.

Abby added: “We’ve got an extensive variety of ways to be part of the action this Gentlemen’s Day such as an opportunity for our visitors to win a seat on the DFS winning post sofa with Boycie.

“We’ve also joined forces with the Doncaster Frenchgate Centre to offer prizes for the best dressed male.

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“So there’s really no excuse not to don your most outrageous attire and join us for a fun packed day of exceptional racing.”

Elsewhere, Doncaster Museum and Art Gallery is hosting a special art and artefacts exhibition to mark the 250th year anniversary of the historic race.

The ‘Doncaster Cup – Going for Gold‘ display is on show from now until Saturday, November 5.

The racecourse will also be paying homage to this remarkable slice of history with its own special display of historic artefacts, including the original 1995 Doncaster Cup won by Double Trigger.

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*Read more about the Ladbrokes St Leger Festival, which runs from September 7 to 10, in our special supplement, which starts on page 51.

To book tickets visit www.doncaster-racecourse.co.uk

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